We drove on a few twisty roads followed by lonely roads such as this passing through dairy farms (Strauss Creamery was one!) complete with grazing cows...
It started getting cloudier and cloudier as we got closer to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. But first, a trip to their, uh facilities (if you could call it that)...
Ugh. Literally just a toilet hole. No flushing of any kind. I think it took me two seconds to do my thing and get out of there...
Well at least it wasn't like this:
Let me tell you that this was a VERY windy and cold place! I found out later on a placard that is considered the windiest place on the coast! We ended up doubling up on our jackets while trying not to freeze off our faces. We saw other visitors making the same trek as us...disappearing into the thick fog as they hiked up the road.
There was one part of the road near some large trees (seen in the video posted at the end) that were just dripping from the mist. I actually ended up getting slightly sick and I believe it was because of the damp and cold from this day.
The Lighthouse Visitor Center offers exhibits on the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse as well as information on whales, seals, and sea lions.
The Lighthouse is situated 150 meters below the Visitor Center. It can only be accessed by walking down 300 steps (equivalent to the height of a 30 story building). It is definitely not handicapped accessible.
Historical plaque...
There were informational placards on the way down.
We couldn't even see the lighthouse at the top. The fog was so thick. At certain points there were "rest areas" which were off to the side. Those really helped out, especially on the way up. I'm sure on a clearer day, the ocean views would have been spectacular.
The lighthouse is in the back with the equipment building in the front.
View at the bottom of the steps...
The lower chamber of the lighthouse has exhibit panels about the history of the Fresnel lens and the lighthouse keepers. The lens was manufactured in 1867 and installed in 1870. The equipment room has two foghorns dating back to 1947, an air compressor and a backup power generator.
It was such a fascinating experience seeing the lighthouse, learning about its history and imagining the lonely life the keepers must have had.
Heading up the hill...
The rough water below...
The lichen on these rocks was such a vivid rust shade. Down at the rest area bench was Bert and TC...
During certain times of the year (and when it's clear), you can even spot whales.
Walking UP the hill was quite the workout!
This person's video was pretty much our experience, except the day we went it was foggier and much more windy!
Point Reyes Lighthouse
27999 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94937
(415) 669-1534
www.nps.gov
More history/articles about the Point Reyes Lighthouse:
www.lighthousefriends.com
www.ptreyes.org
www.us-lighthouses.com
Our next stop would be for lunch in the nearby town of Marshall...
2 comments:
The lighthouse looks beautiful - even with the heavy fog. I bet the views on clear days are stunning. Those stairs though! Oh man.
I'm sure the whole area looks great on a clear day but it was kind of cool to see the fog. It kind of added to the "mystery" as we descended that steep ass hill. I had to keep stopping on the way back up.
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